Director, Communications, Africa

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.  

GEAPP is seeking a Director of Communications for Africa to work as part of a global team driving progress on the green energy movement, which is urgently needed to transform lives, livelihoods, and the planet. The Africa Director for Communications is an integral member of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) communications team and will work across GEAPP and with Alliance partners to develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy that supports GEAPP’s strategy for Africa, amplifies our mission and showcases the impact of our initiatives. The Africa Director for Communication must be able to lead the strategic development and implementation of communications for the region and key programs.

Reporting to the Global Head of Communications and working closely with the Africa Regional Vice President, the Africa Director for Communications will collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to enhance GEAPP’s visibility, influence, and impact in the global energy and climate space through compelling impact storytelling, stakeholder engagement, media relations and thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning: Lead the design and execution of integrated communications strategies for GEAPP Africa and programs. Provide strategic counsel to  Africa senior program leadership, aligning communications efforts with the regional strategy and business plan,  programmatic impact and GEAPP organization-wide goals.
• Reputation & Thought Leadership: Amplify the GEAPP’s voice and thought leadership in Africa and globally, ensuring visibility in key forums and channels. Frame key program findings, research, and insights into digestible narratives for decision-makers and influencers. Support the positioning of senior leaders and program experts as ambassadors in public discourse.
• Storytelling: Working closely with the Editorial Director and Digital team, develop storytelling strategies that showcase the transformation and impact of the alliance. Establish mechanisms to surface authentic stories from across GEAPP Africa key countries and programs.
• Stakeholder & Media Engagement: Cultivate and manage relationships with top-tier media, influencers, and key sector stakeholders. Collaborate with alliance partners and external agencies to ensure message consistency and strategic amplification.
• Program Support & Alignment: Ensure communications activities are aligned with impact measurement frameworks, collaborating closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation team. Provide support and strategic input to program partners, enhancing their communications capacity where needed. Ensure alignment of messaging and positioning across delivery platforms and geographic locations.
• Operational Excellence: Manage regional and program communications budgets and ensure effective use of resources. Oversee agency relationships and vendor performance. Lead risk mitigation and crisis communications strategies where necessary.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, or a related field.
• 15 years of experience in strategic communications, including 7 in senior leadership roles, with a strong understanding of current affairs, energy, climate and development trends.
• Experience in renewable energy, climate change, or international development sectors is highly desirable.
• Proven experience leading communications strategies in Africa with strong media networks.
• Background in impact storytelling, thought leadership, and advocacy campaigns for global organizations working in Africa.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and digital/social media skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and pan-African communications expertise.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, media relations, and alliance management.
• Strategic Ability: Ability to see opportunities, design innovative approaches backed by strong analysis and planning. Strong sense for messaging, themes and techniques that resonate with global audiences and media.
• Execution: Strong project management skills, deadline management, sense of responsibility and accountability and the ability to effectively multi-task.
• Coordination: Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely, high-quality outputs.
• Partnership and Relationship Building: Strong professional representation of GEAPP, interpersonal relationship abilities, intercultural knowledge and appreciation, and strategic partnership building.
• Decision-Making: Ability to evaluate risks and opportunities, using analytical and strong problem-solving skills.
• Integration: Ability to demonstrate inclusiveness, collaboration, respect and broad organisational interests.
• Communication: Strong internal and external communications abilities; exceptional listening, written and verbal skills.
• Mission-Driven: A thoughtful team member who works with integrity, always with a focus on GEAPP’s mission

Why Join GEAPP: This is a unique opportunity to lead the narrative around global energy transformation and climate action. As Communications Director, you will shape the stories that inspire action and drive progress towards a sustainable energy future. Join us and be part of a dynamic team committed to changing energy and changing lives.

This is a full-time position with an annualized starting salary of $130,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience. GEAPP provides a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to) a robust paid time off plan of 28 days annual leave in addition to org-wide end-of-year-office closure, private medical and $1,000 annually for work-from-home expenses. GEAPP prides itself on being a flexible employer and employees typically operate on a hybrid schedule.

We operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. We expect all GEAPP employees to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.  

 GEAPP LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the organization ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.  

GEAPP LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.